8 Big Dogs That Don’t Shed: Top Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
There’s a lot to think about when you decide to add a new dog to your family. You must consider your new dog’s size, temperament and energy level, and you probably want to go with a breed that you find attractive and endearing.
But while most dedicated and thoughtful dog owners consider these types of characteristics carefully when choosing a dog, they often fail to think about a few other important factors, such as the amount of hair the dog will shed.
Although, if you're reading this article, you're likely factoring shedding into your decision process and looking for big dogs that don't shed. We've got you covered!
The Problem with Shed Hair
Some owners view shed hair as nothing more than a minor inconvenience, but others find it absolutely maddening. Large amounts of shed hair can coat everything you own and ruin the aesthetics of your furniture, curtains and clothing. If the problem gets bad enough, you’ll surely see tumbleweed-like clumps of hair rolling across your floors.
But while these problems are annoying, they aren’t as bad as those experienced by owners with dog allergies. In itself, shed hair won’t trigger allergies – it is actually the saliva and dander clinging to the shed hair that cause sniffling noses and watering eyes.
When shed hair starts floating around your home, it can bring you into more regular contact with the problematic proteins that trigger allergies, which will keep you pretty miserable.
The Hypoallergenic Dog Myth
Because shed hair can be so infuriating, many owners set out to purchase a large dog that doesn't shed. Breeders often call these dogs “hypoallergenic” and explain that they do not shed hair. But while this would certainly be a desirable trait, the hypoallergenic label is misleading.
All dogs – in fact, all animals – shed dead skin cells and the vast majority of the hair or feathers they possess (although specialized hairs like whiskers may be retained). This is a biological imperative – as skin and hair cells wear out and begin to break down, they are jettisoned to make room for new ones. Snakes, insects and crustaceans are famous for doing this in dramatic fashion at discrete times, but mammals (including you) shed in tiny amounts, more-or-less continuously.
However, this does not mean that all dogs shed in similar quantities; some dogs are heavier shedders than others are. So, while all dogs shed and produce proteins that can trigger allergies, there are a few breeds that are better suited for allergy sufferers and those who want to keep their homes relatively free of dog fur than others are.
8 Big Dogs that Don’t Shed (Very Much)
If shed hair frustrates you or makes you a miserable, sneezing mess, you’ll want to try to pick a breed that doesn’t shed very much. This is especially important for those who want to add a large breed to their family, as large dogs produce more hair than smaller dogs because they simply have more hair follicles.
Fortunately, there are several great big dogs that don’t shed very much. Eight of the best examples include:
1. Standard Poodle
Despite their curly and comical coats, poodles are very light shedders, who usually show up on most “hypoallergenic” dog lists. In fact, they’ve been crossed with golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers to create dogs with the personality of a retriever with the low-shed coat of the poodle. Poodles are smart, loyal and loving with their owners, and they are surprisingly effective as guard dogs.
2. Afghan Hound
Afghan hounds are elegant and graceful dogs, with long, silky hair and a gentle personality. Originally developed to hunt small game, Afghans are very quick on their feet and they have very sharp eyesight to help them locate their quarry at a distance. Although Afghan hounds do not shed very much, they do require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition and looking its best.
3. Giant Schnauzer
Like most other schnauzers, giant schnauzers shed very little, despite their thick, dense fur. Giant schnauzers are intelligent, loving companions, but they can be stubborn and headstrong. This makes them a poor choice for most novices; they need a calm, confident owner who can exude leadership in a way the dog will understand.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese water dogs are friendly, happy-go-lucky dogs who are bursting with energy. They make excellent companions for older kids and they generally get along with most people they meet. However, they are not well-suited for couch-potato families, who spend most of their time on the couch. These dogs want to get out and go for walks, play fetch or swim – their favorite activity.
5. Irish Water Spaniel
Although some people may not consider Irish water spaniels “large,” big males often approach 70 pounds in weight, which is certainly not “small.” Irish water spaniels are goofy, fun-loving and comical, and they serve as non-stop entertainment for their families. As their name implies, these dogs love to swim, and you’ll want to make sure you give yours plenty of opportunities to do so.
6. Komondor
The Komondor has an unusual coat, comprised of long “cords” or hair that bear a passing resemblance to dreadlocks. Dedicated, brave and intelligent, Komondors were originally developed as watch dogs (their long, white coat helped to make the sheep they were tasked with guarding more comfortable). They don’t shed very much, and you won’t need to brush them, but Komondors do require regular coat care, to keep their cords clean and healthy. Komondors require a strong, assertive leader and plenty of socialization to prevent aggression.
7. Airedale Terrier
Another breed that could be considered “large” or “medium,” depending on your own criteria regarding size, Airedale terriers are friendly, affectionate and playful dogs, who require large amounts of exercise to remain healthy and happy. But while Airedales love their families and bond strongly with their owners, they are a bit of a stubborn breed, who tend to remain slightly independent throughout their lives.
8. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois vary a good bit in size, and some individuals will remain in the 40- to 50-pound range, while others may exceed 80 pounds. Nevertheless, thanks to their intensity, bravery and assertive demeanor, they certainly give the impression of being a big dog.
Malinois shed very little, and they aren’t known to drool excessively, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. However, Belgian Malinois are absolutely inappropriate for novices, as they require a firm, confident leader, who will train and socialize them properly.
Home Remedies for Shedding Hair
You can certainly reduce the amount of shed hair in your home by selecting one of the breeds mentioned above, but you can also take a number of steps to help keep your home as hair-free as possible. Some of the most effective include:
In Conclusion
Do you own a big dog that doesn't shed very much? What about the opposite? Have you ever owned a dog that buried you under a pile of shed fur? We’d love to hear about your experiences, including the things you did to help keep your dog’s shed hair to a minimum.
Let us know all about it in the comments below.
Further Reading:
Large Dog Breeds: An Owner's Guide to Caring for Big Dogs
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